Anxious Man, Image Courtesy of David Castillo Dominici, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Do you need to talk to a live counselor who can help? I’ve put together a global directory of helplines for anxiety, panic disorder, depression, and related problems. Click on the links for specific information about each helpline including hours of operation and services offered (many of these helpline websites also provide answers to frequently asked questions and links to additional services). Although some of these services are listed as suicide hotlines, counselors welcome calls from anyone in crisis, including those who are not suicidal. Family members of those suffering from severe anxiety and other troubles may also call these lines.
This directory is organized by region. Scroll to the bottom of this list for international and online help, as well as services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
North America
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (U.S.)
Crisis Line: Within Ottawa – 613-722-6914, Outside Ottawa – 1-866-996-0991 (Canada)
Mental Health Helpline, Ontario: 1-866-531-2600 (may be able to provide information on services outside Ontario as well)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (Canadian service for children and teens; includes option of confidential live online chat with a counsellor as well)
Covenant House Nineline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (counseling and referral to homeless shelters for teens, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000 (U.S. service; helps teens, parents, and families)
United Kingdom
AnxietyUK Helpline: 08444 775 774
National Organisation for Phobias, Anxiety, Neurosis, Information and Care, No Panic Helpline: 0844 967 4848
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 (provides help via phone, e-mail, snail mail, or face to face)
New Zealand
Anxiety New Zealand Trust: 0800 14 ANXIETY (0800 14 269 4389)
Australia
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Africa
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group: Lists hotlines for mental health and emotional issues
International and Online
International Association for Suicide Prevention – Resources: Provides links to online support networks, forums, chat sites, and more throughout the world
Befrienders.org: Lists helplines by country
Online support groups and forums:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Support Groups
- PsychCentral: Support Groups and Forums
For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Hotline@DeafHope.org: Receive counselling via e-mail or video